On July 18, the "Thanksgiving Celebration for the 20th Anniversary of the Hangzhou Christian Elderly Care Center" was held at Sicheng Church in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. The event brought together over 200 participants, including staff and members of the local Christian community, representatives from charitable organizations, and relevant local government officials.
According to Hangzhou CC&TSPM, Rev. Xu Xinjian, teacher and graduate advisor at Nanjing Union Theological Seminary, delivered a keynote address on the theme of "Respecting the Elderly and Practicing Filial Piety." He emphasized the importance of advancing traditional Chinese values in conjunction with Christian ethics, advocating for an integration of cultural virtues and modern eldercare services.
During the celebration, Rev. Huang Mingke, vice chairperson and secretary-general of Zhejiang Provincial TSPM, executive vice chairperson of Hangzhou TSPM, and director of the elderly care center, reviewed the center's two-decade journey. He highlighted the center's key milestones, including its recognition as an AAA-rated social organization in 2024.
A commemorative short film showcasing the center's range of elderly care services was screened at the event. The center also honored four governing organizations and 31 outstanding volunteers for their contributions. Following the award ceremony, an intelligent robotic dog presented flowers as part of an interactive session.
The Hangzhou Christian Elderly Care Center was jointly planned by Hangzhou Christian Council, Hangzhou Three-Self Patriotic Movement, the Hangzhou YMCA, and the Hangzhou YWCA, which are also the four governing units, in 2004 and was officially registered in 2005. The center adheres to the purpose of "taking root in the church and serving the society" and organizes church volunteers to go into the community and nursing homes to provide care and services for the elderly.
